you dont need to re-build a boat everytime it sinks
they have a float thats attached to a long reel ( id have at least the max depth of battle space + ~1/3 ) of STRONG Wire ( i think high guage fishing wire )
so the boat sinks, the float detaches and remains on the surface, so you can use the wire to either gently lift her off the bottom and get her to the surface where she can be pulled out the water
then its a simple patch and shes good to go again ( the electronics / batterys should be in watertight boxes inside so they shouldnt get wet )
every once a year or so, most people completly re-skin there boats
probs not a good idea but has anyone thought of the r/c Tank warefare kits that are avalible ?
they work on infrared light, so no projectiles to worry about
and after so many hits the loosers battle system shuts down ( or the whole boat if you would prefer )
this would mean the loser has so suffer the humiliation of having to request a 'tow' back to port
no sinking...perfectly safe...and readily availible...
sure watching boats sink is alot better for the kids as they get a visual representation of the battle, but once health and safety get involved it opens up like a can of worms
i seem to remember reading something along time ago that claimed that they could be classed as concealed weapon